Mixed Signals Cloud Camping World’s Outlook
After Camping World Holdings Inc. on Thursday posted a fourth-quarter loss of $71.5 million, or earnings per share of (83) cents, due to an impairment charge and costs related to Gander Outdoors openings, the company’s stock tumbled in the high single digits. But a slight market rebound on Friday served as another example of the mixed signals that Camping World conveyed in its fourth-quarter earnings report.
Aisle Talk Week Of March 4
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Bass Pro Shops announcing it will close a distribution center in Sidney, NE, the former hometown of Cabela’s, as well as a merchandise return center in Oshkosh, NE.
American Outdoor Brands Provides Bleak Outlook For Firearms
American Outdoor Brands, the parent of Smith & Wesson, reported year-over-year increases in revenue and operating profits in the third quarter ended January 31 with the help of successful promotions, but also delivered a soft outlook going forward with no signs of a pickup in firearms demand.
Diana Seung Steps Into Camber Outdoors Role At Critical Juncture
Diana Seung, who was appointed interim executive director of Camber Outdoors after Deanne Buck resigned last month, spoke with SGB about her role in helping the organization heal internally and mend relationships with the outdoor community following Camber’s recent PR crisis.
Patagonia, L.L. Bean Near Top Of Reputation Rankings
Patagonia ranked third and L.L. Bean fourth in this year’s Axios Harris Top-100 Poll’s survey ranking the public’s perception of the 100 most visible U.S. companies. Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Dick’s Sporting Goods also landed on the list.
John Walbrecht Unpacks Clarus Corp.’s ‘Superfan’ Brand Strategy
John Walbrecht, president of Clarus Corp., spoke with SGB recently about the holding company’s focus on “superfan” brands—product-centric disrupters such as Black Diamond that have carved a niche as market leaders with fiercely loyal customers.
Active Offering Most Potential For Sequential Brands
Sequential Brands’ Active division – including Gaiam, AND1, and Avia – remains its largest and most profitable division and will continue to be a focus for investments, including potential acquisitions, in the years ahead, Sequential officials said on the company’s fourth-quarter conference call.
Bogs Sees Revenues Rebound In 2018
Wrapping up a bounce-back year, Bogs saw sales surged 34 percent in the fourth quarter to wind up ahead 10 percent in the year. The brand finally benefited from timely winter weather while also finding success extending into non-winter styles.
Kohl’s Seeing Share Gains In Active, Adding Nike Plus-Sizes
Kohl’s Corp said it continued to see strong momentum across its Active categories in the fourth quarter. The retailer also said that its test of expanded Active areas will be extended to 160 stores and Nike plus-size offerings will arrive this spring.
Black Diamond’s Product Innovation Fueling Clarus Corp.
Product innovation across its entire portfolio—but especially at climbing and backcountry ski brand Black Diamond—helped Clarus Corp. notch a record year in 2018 and also positioned the company for solid growth in 2019 and beyond.
Four Questions: Matt Highby, President, Highby Outdoors
In early February, a number of former Cabela’s employees, led by Matt Highby, officially launched Highby Outdoors, an e-commerce site focusing on hunting and outdoor gear. SGB talked to Highby about what inspired the concept.
February M&A Roundup: Vail Resorts, Garmin, BSN Sports Make Key Moves
Vail Resorts Inc., Garmin Ltd. and BSN Sports made significant market moves in February, elevating an otherwise mundane month for mergers and acquisitions in the active lifestyle space. SGB Media’s latest M&A Roundup digs into the notable deals.
Foot Locker Scores Best Quarterly Comp Since 2014
With hot sellers ranging from Adidas Yeezy to Jordan, Nike’s Max Air, Fila and Champion, Foot Locker Inc. belted out a 9.7 percent same-store gain in the fourth quarter – its best quarterly gain since the fourth quarter of 2014. Fourth-quarter earnings and 2019 guidance also arrived well ahead of expectations. Some setbacks include the planned closing of its SIX:02 women’s chain and more impairment charges for Runners Point, but a bigger investment has been made into in Carbon38, the women’s activewear upstart.
Overall Health Of Golf Industry Keeps Acushnet On Course
Inclement weather around the globe in 2018 took a toll on golf rounds played, but Acushnet Holdings Corp., the parent of Titleist, was among the companies benefiting from an important industry theme that has trumped poor playing conditions: The sport’s health continues on the upswing.
Store Closures, Job Cuts Dominate Department Store Q4 Headlines
Department stores reported a mixture of earnings results in the fourth quarter, but the big news from the period included store closures (J.C. Penney Co.) and job cuts (Macy’s). Last quarter also saw the untimely passing of Blake Nordstrom, who died on January 2 at age 58.
